Customers at a Nottinghamshire garden centre have been saddened by the exit of a beloved gorilla statue which 'created memories for 65,000 people'. The giant gorilla, affectionately named Xavier, was loved by customers at Brookfields Garden Centre in Mapperley, who posed and took pictures with him for 10 years.
But on Thursday, November 3 the garden centre announced it was a "rather sad morning", as Xavier would be leaving to a new home. The towering figure was sold to a customer, but the garden centre has told fans to look out for a replacement in the New Year.
In a Facebook post, which has garnered hundreds of likes, Brookfields Garden Centre said: "t's a rather sad morning today, our iconic giant Gorilla Xavier is leaving us for a new home! We know that so many of our customers have loved seeing Xavier and taking pictures with him over the years, so we wanted to give you the chance to pop in today before 2pm for one last picture.
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"Xavier has been bought by a customer for their family, so he is going to a loving home. We will however be having a new addition in the New Year so watch this space."
Julie Dachey-Jenkins, Brookfields Garden Centre's marketing manager, said the towering 2.8m Gorilla had been posed with and sat on by around 65,000 people in the last decade. "The reason for having him was just a bit of fun, but he's been a constant for 10 years, and with around 20 people a day we've figured out 65,000 people will have sat with him," Mrs Dachey-Jenkins said.
"He was great for the kids and we've had a fantastic response from people sharing their family memories that involved him. We'll be moving our polar bear into his place, but there will be a new special statue coming soon."
People posted their messages of sadness along with pictures of them posed with the Gorilla in reply to the garden centre's post. On Facebook, Carole Ball said: "Awwww. Sad that Xavier is moving homes. My grandson liked coming to see him."
Stacey Ann Ray said: "Oh no, glad we visited recently. Xavier is our girls favourite thing to get a picture with." Vida Price added: "Ahhhh l have some lovely pictures of him with all four of my grandchildren over the years."
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